The best of Ubisoft and EA at E3 2014 – Star Wars: Battlefront or Rainbow Six Siege?

You’ve got to feel sorry for EA and Ubisoft when it comes to E3. Sandwiched between Microsoft and Sony’s press conferences, I’d imagine they’re in danger of being overlooked.

Missing out on their shows was a bad idea, though. If you’ve not yet caught up, here are six games you absolutely have to make time for.

1. Star Wars: Battlefront

Fans got what they wanted quickly enough – the new Battlefront took pride of place during EA’s conference. This highly anticipated Star Wars game kicked things off by underscoring the team’s dedication, reminding us that the franchise is in good hands.

Having visited sets from the movies’ biggest battles, the early footage we glimpsed is promising. Already gorgeous, it mirrors the feel of the series’ locations perfectly. We’ve still to see combat in action, but if this is any indication we’re in for a treat.

2. Rainbow Six Siege

Ubisoft’s done it again; they’ve seized our interest by the collar. A groundwork of close communication, team tactics, tense battles and destructible environments return the franchise’s bite.

It’s pleasing that Siege is such a lean experience. This gives a tight focus, raising lots of potential for nail-biting battles with other players.

After they dominated the first ten minutes of EA’s show, the wait for more details from Bioware is going to sting. Intriguingly, Mass Effect’s N7 and human armour seemed to feature in the developer’s trailer. Does this mean we’ll be taking the reigns of a human character again in the next game?

On the other end of the spectrum, their other (highly mysterious) project offered curious details. The mention of using ‘contemporary’ stories was worthy of note, as was the cobbled-together look of the building we saw in their footage. I wonder whether they’re working on some post-apocalyptic concept or planetary settlement, set closer to our own era?

4. Far Cry 4

Being totally off your rocker is an occupational hazard for the villains of Far Cry. Our newest – and highly twisted – antagonist is on show in the project’s opening cinematic, and he exudes a worryingly polite demeanour. Even after murdering someone, he takes a photo with you as if nothing has happened. With our hero being linked closely to him, things can only get more disturbing from here.

Next, being able to goad elephants into flipping cars is a neat party-trick. It was almost as cool as seeing the impressive transition from mountainous paths to wooded plains.

I’m cynical in small doses when it comes to Battlefield. I’m convinced it remains one of the best multiplayer shooters out there, yet technical issues aren’t ever far behind. Let’s hope Hardline is a suitable palette cleanser.

It looks to be doing a good job, anyway. Turning its wartime drama into a cops-and-robbers shootout, you must loot cash by any means necessary before the police catch up (also controlled by players). After seeing zip-lines and a more urban arsenal on show, my interest has definitely been piqued.

6. Assassin’s Creed Unity

What a difference smoother animations make. Having the newest Assassin darting down buildings as fluid as water highlighted presentation values beyond reproach.

We knew that Unity was going to be a beautiful game, but seeing it in true motion was another matter. Taken with the addition of co-op and a seething sandbox teeming with quests, things are shaping up very nicely.

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